Month: May 2024

2024-05-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – There are certain places you come across that seem to be quintessentially Americana, like apple pie and ice cream, fireworks and the Fourth of July and college football. A destination that seamlessly captures the best of America — Rapid City, South Dakota.

Located in western South Dakota and the gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is a top destination for all ages with well-known experiences like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial^®, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park and more. And while these are all worthy attractions, that’s just scratching the surface of this place.

This summer, plan to discover the unexpected. From diving into history to meeting reptiles, here are seven ways to experience the heart of the country on your vacation to Rapid City.

1. See where presidents live on. One of the most walkable downtowns in the Midwest, Rapid City’s urban core begs to be explored. It’s home to locally owned shops, restaurants, theaters, breweries and more, each contributing to the area’s vibrant energy. A few places to put on a must-visit list: Dakota Drum Company, Prairie Edge Trading Company, Art Alley and Tinder Box. Downtown is also where life-sized versions of 43 past presidents are located. New for 2024, bring the presidents to life with Visit Rapid City’s audio tour. Time it right and catch an event — or cool off in the splash pad — at Main Street Square.

Insider tip: For an overview of Rapid City, hop onboard the 90-minute trolley tour. Tours are available all summer long.

2. Walk through history. 2024 is the 150th anniversary of the Black Hills Gold Rush, which played a key role in establishing modern-day Rapid City. Experience gold rush history at the Journey Museum & Learning Center, Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory, Hay Camp Brewing Company, Black Hills Caverns and aboard the 1880 Train, where passengers cruise past the remnants of old mines. Rapid City is located on the traditional lands of the Lakota and Dakota nations (among others), and visitors are encouraged to learn more about the country’s First Nations on guided tours or by visiting Crazy Horse Memorial^® and its on-site Indian Museum of North America^®.

3. Granite icons + the oldest ice cream recipe in America. No visit to Rapid City is complete without visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Located less than 20 minutes away from Rapid, Mount Rushmore has an immersive visitor center, Avenue of Flags and on-site trails. The first ice cream recipe in America — courtesy of Thomas Jefferson’s recipe box — can also be found at Carver’s Café, which is located at the national memorial.

4. Dinosaur Park. Originally built to bring traffic to Rapid City from Mount Rushmore, Dinosaur Park has been welcoming visitors since 1936. With sweeping views of Rapid and the Black Hills, Dinosaur Park recently underwent renovations and is welcoming visitors with new accessible trails and pedestrian routes, site interpretation and more. The attraction is back open to the public on May 1.

5. Family-friendly fun. Rapid City is for the kids, in lots of different ways. From visiting bears to rushing down waterslides at WaTiki^® Indoor Waterpark Resort (South Dakota’s largest indoor waterpark), this is a city they will love. Kid-approved fun can be found at Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA and Storybook Island, a magical park filled with storybook characters. Additional highlights include Chapel in the Hills, Fort Hays and Old MacDonald’s Farm.

6. Dig into bison, beer and ramen. Much like America is a melting pot of many cultures and lineages, Rapid City is a melting pot of food, with made-right-here brews, locally raised beef and bison and more making their way onto a bevy of menus throughout town. Find traditional American breakfast items at Tally’s Silver Spoon in downtown, bite into a bison steak at Dakota Steakhouse, savor fresh-made pasta at Sabatino’s Italian Ristorante, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at Diamond E Collective and relish over ramen and bison buns at Bokujo Ramen.

Insider tip: Spend some time sipping South Dakota’s flavors and craft cocktails at Windsor Block Bar or Firehouse Brewing Company (the oldest brewery in the state).

7. Road trip, South Dakota style. From the Black Hills to the Badlands, this region was made for road tripping. Using Rapid City as home base, it’s easy to explore western South Dakota. Cruise Needles Highway and see bison in Custer State Park. Tour Badlands National Park’s northern and southern units. Take a drive through Spearfish Canyon and stroll the cobblestone streets of Deadwood.

2024-05-06T09:19:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Citi

The ease of shopping online can offer customers greater flexibility and convenience, as well as access to a wider range of products. However, these expanded choices can sometimes lead to more time spent searching for deals.

If you’re looking to save money without spending too much time, it’s crucial to be strategic before you browse.

Here are tips savvy shoppers use to shop smarter online.

Make the most of free shopping tools

Finding deals quickly can be tough, but savvy shoppers know the latest tools can help. For example, the Citi Shop^SM browser extension provides an easy way to find savings by automatically searching over 5,000 online merchants for available offers and coupons.

According to a recent Citi study*, over one-third of Americans (35%) say it takes too long to find coupons or promo codes when shopping online, and 74% have abandoned an online purchase because they couldn’t find a deal. The Citi Shop browser extension helps eligible Citi^® credit cardmembers save time and money by finding savings.

To start using Citi Shop, cardmembers just need to add the extension to their mobile iOS device or desktop browser and enroll their eligible Citi credit card. While shopping online, users will receive alerts about available percent or amount back offers.

Visit Citi.com/CitiShopEnroll to add the extension.

Plan ahead

When it comes to online shopping, planning helps you stay on track and gives you more time to compare prices. Before firing up your laptop or phone, make a quick list of what you’re looking for. Your list could also include how much you’re willing to spend.

You could also try keeping a calendar of events like family birthdays, upcoming weddings and other important milestones so you don’t rush to buy something at the last minute.

Sign up for newsletters and alerts

For another smart move, try signing up for newsletters and enabling notifications from your preferred retailers to access exclusive deals and promotions. By doing so, you’ll receive timely alerts about special promotions, early access to sales and personalized recommendations. These exclusive perks may help you save money and update you on the latest deals.

Look for retailer incentives

If you write a product review or fill out a survey requested by a retailer, you could be eligible for perks like gift card drawings or discounts. Other retailers may offer price matching or adjustments if you see an item you just bought go on sale at another store a few days later.

If you want to save more time finding online deals, you can always try using the Citi Shop browser extension, which automatically searches for offers and coupons at checkout.

Set a budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to figure out what you may have left for special occasions, shopping or entertainment. After budgeting for necessities, try setting aside a monthly discretionary spending amount — and then stick to it.

Using these tips and tools, you can save time and tap into savings when you shop online.

*The Citi Shopping Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18+ from the U.S., including the U.S. territories, in December 2023.

2024-05-06T07:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know the average family spends less than an hour of quality time together per day? According to data from Pew Research Center, nine in ten people indicate that spending time with family is one of the most important things to them, but it can be difficult to prioritize.

Reunions can be the missing piece that helps families reconnect to share family history and traditions, creating a sense of belonging that is hard to replicate. While family reunions can have a positive impact on well-being, they can also be a daunting task. AARP members can unlock an abundance of discounts that make a memorable reunion that everyone will talk about for generations to come.

”Some of the longest standing traditions that families have are their reunions, which come in all shapes and sizes from small annual gatherings, to once in a decade parties,” said Steve Guilday, AARP Services Travel Director. “Because families don’t always live in the same city, these events require a lot of coordination and often double as a summer vacation. Taking advantage of existing membership discounts like those available for AARP members can make reunion travel and execution more financially friendly for all.”

Prepped and Primed

Whether bringing together a group of 30 or 300, family reunions require a good dose of planning. With so many moving parts — flights, hotels, transportation — the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia is the perfect one-stop shop for creating a seamless itinerary. Members save up to 10% on select hotels, 30% off car rentals from Avis and Budget and receive a $50 gift card with any flight package.

For out-of-town families, it’s nice to have the option to book a dependable rental car at a discounted rate to shuttle everyone around comfortably for planned activities. AARP members save up to 30% off base rates or up to 35% when selecting Pay Now and receive a 3% credit to apply to rentals within 12 months when booking a car with Avis. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings, an additional driver at no cost, and more.

Location, Location, Location

Where families stay for the reunion can directly influence their overall enjoyment. Look for hotel options that are not only conveniently located by the event venue or airport, but near other areas to enjoy such as the local downtown area or parks.

Where Furry Friends Are Welcome

Families come in all shapes and sizes and for many, family includes pets. Many pet owners take their beloved animal along for travel, making pet-friendly lodging crucial. Remember to ensure for families with pets that there will be four-legged-friend approved hotels, particularly ones that can share a list of local pet-friendly wineries or breweries, restaurants, hiking trails and dog parks.

Thankfully, with your AARP member benefits, you and your pets are covered.

One pet-friendly option is Choice Hotels^®, which offers more than 3,500 pet-friendly properties globally; AARP members can save 10% on their reservation and some locations may offer extra amenities such as pet food, food dishes, water bowls and play areas.

With thousands of pet-friendly locations worldwide, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has the perfect accommodations for members and their loyal pets at hotels like La Quinta^® by Wyndham and Baymont^® by Wyndham. AARP members can save 10% on the Best Available Rate at pet-friendly Hotels by Wyndham around the world.

A Last-Minute Helping Hand

You’ve made it to the reunion. You’ve secured your rental car and settled into your lodging. You’ve confirmed the caterer, but something feels like it’s missing. Even the most careful planners can overlook something. Whether you simply need napkins or anticipate a bigger problem like running out of food or want to stock up on snack items for your hotel room, Walmart+ is a membership that helps save you time and money. AARP members save $20 off the annual membership and enjoy benefits like free delivery from the store, free shipping with no order minimum, video streaming with Paramount+, gas savings, plus so much more.

Safe and Secure

The main focus of family reunions should be enjoying time with family, so make sure you don’t miss out on reconnecting because you’re worrying about home security while you’re away. AARP members can have peace of mind and save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT™ Home Security equipped with intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation from video doorbells and security cameras to smart locks.

Homes aren’t the only things that need protecting, especially since most people consider pets to be just as big a part of their family as a human member. Whether you and your furbaby are at home or on the road AARP members save 10% on Fetch Pet Insurance monthly premiums for the lifetime of their pet’s policy, which covers qualifying care for injuries and illnesses, emergency vet visits, prescription meds and supplements, plus boarding fees for your pet should they require hospitalization.

Although the effort and expense of organizing a family reunion may seem intimidating, AARP member benefits make it easier to save, so all you have to worry about is enjoying the magic of being surrounded by generations of family.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your family reunion, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2024-05-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Studies show that people who dine with others regularly eat healthier and report a better quality of life. It provides a sense of structure and belonging while offering greater opportunities for improved nutrition. Coming together over a meal can also provide meaningful ways to connect with others over shared beliefs and cultural interests.

2024-05-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – The enduring wisdom of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” resonates across cultures, underscoring our collective responsibility toward nurturing the academic, social, and emotional development of our future leaders. In alignment with this timeless ethos, Teacher Appreciation Week serves as an ideal occasion to honor not only our teachers but also the often overlooked yet indispensable members of our children’s educational community. These unsung heroes, particularly substitute educators, provide crucial continuity and foster an environment of support and positivity, making them essential pillars in the comprehensive upbringing of our youth.

Kelly Education, the leading provider of education workforce solutions in the nation, proudly upholds a tradition of celebrating these anchors of operational stability through its annual Substitute Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is extended to substitute teachers and school support staff who have made significant contributions to their school communities. Eligibility requires active employment with Kelly Education and a nomination from a school colleague that highlights the nominee’s positive impact on both students and peers. Winners of the award are recognized with a $5,000 bonus, in addition to a $1,500 donation to the school of their choice, reinforcing Kelly Education’s commitment to acknowledging the invaluable role of substitute educators in shaping future generations.

“One of my greatest joys is celebrating the work of our educators,” said Kelly Education President Nicola Soares. “These educators are extra special because they were nominated by their school partners for the positive impact they’ve had on their school community.”

Here are this year’s winners, who are changing students’ lives, one classroom at a time.

Jane Abrams, K-12 Substitute Teacher, of Aventura, Florida, found a way to recover from heartbreaking losses by returning to the field she loved, becoming a substitute educator. Her experience at Fulford Elementary has given her a whole new family.

“All of the teachers and staff welcomed me with open arms,” said Abrams. “This is a workplace of respect and congeniality — and the children filled my heart back up with joy and love.”

Abrams appreciates how Kelly Education gives her the freedom to work around her schedule, as well as providing insurance and perks like retail bargains and other incentives. She advises substitute educators to be positive, listen to what the other teachers have to say, and ask questions: “Leave a detailed account of what you accomplished or didn’t accomplish during the day, and remember — a teacher can change the world.”

Megan Mabry, Non-Instructional Substitute Educator, from Cabot, Arkansas, grew interested in education from her role as a mother. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business management and working for the U.S. Postal Service, Mabry wanted more involvement with her children’s education and better work-life balance. This led her to the flexible opportunity of becoming a Kelly Education substitute educator. She appreciates the long-term opportunities that can become permanent positions within a school district.

Mabry enjoys working in the student success center, where she interacts with all the students, encouraging them academically and helping build their self-confidence.

“One student who came in was working hard to keep her grades up all year,” said Mabry. “She visited recently to share that she’s achieving her goals of graduating and joining the Army National Guard this year and thanked me for all the encouragement.”

Saira Zamarripa, Early Childhood Substitute Educator, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, became a substitute educator after earning her bachelor’s degree in science from Southern Nazarene University. She is currently enjoying a long-term temporary position at Arthur Elementary School, where they recognized her with their “Caught You Being Good” award, which made her feel like an important part of the school community.

“What I like most about being a substitute teacher are the relationships I’ve built with students,” said Zamarripa. “I like that I can bring a little happiness into their lives because you never know what they’re dealing with away from school.”

Zamarripa appreciates the flexibility and responsiveness of Kelly Education staff and her relationships with school teachers and administrators.

Lucille Zeigler, Paraeducator, of Pelham, Alabama, attended Lawson State Community College before becoming a substitute teacher at Berry Middle School.

“What I love most about being a substitute teacher is the enthusiasm of the students who want to learn more and more,” said Zeigler. “I love to see the faces of students as they learn.”

She remembers an influential teacher in her life — her sixth-grade teacher, who helped her learn math to avoid embarrassment at the chalkboard. She reminds substitute educators to be patient, kind and good listeners.

“Don’t forget that you are there to help the classroom teacher,” Zeigler advised. “And it’s important to love what you do.”

Learn more about this year’s award winners at kellyeducation.com. Interested in substitute teaching opportunities near you? Visit mykelly.com.

2024-05-03T14:01:00

(BPT) – Every new puppy owner has a camera roll full of pictures, but don’t let that sweet puppy smile fool you — good dental health requires a plan.

By the age of three years, most dogs will have some sort of periodontal disease, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. When left untreated, periodontal disease can cause pain, infection, inflammation and other health problems for your best friend.

It’s important to ensure you have the necessary tools to keep your puppy happy and healthy. Don’t know where to start? Check out these three expert tips from veterinarian and puppy expert Dr. Callie Harris.

1. Establish a brushing schedule early on

Just like you, your dog needs their teeth brushed. Since they can’t do it on their own, it’s up to you to brush for them.

“Brushing your puppy’s teeth early on not only keeps them healthy but also supports a strong bond between pet and pet parent,” says Harris.

It’s important to establish teeth brushing as part of your puppy’s routine early on. Using flavored dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste!) and a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush can help ease the process.

You may not be able to do a full toothbrushing session at first, but you can start by brushing your puppy’s teeth for a few seconds every day and work them up to a full session. Beginning a toothbrushing routine may also help reduce stress for potential future teeth cleanings at the vet. Remember to praise and reward them during and after brushing.

2. Offer chew toys or tasty dental chews

Around the time you take your puppy home — usually 12-16 weeks — they’ll be teething. As they lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth come in, they’ll follow their instincts to chew. While this instinct keeps their teeth clean, it could lead to your dog chewing on household items.

You can get ahead of negative chewing behavior by offering your puppy chew toys that are appropriate in size and don’t pose a choking hazard. Rubber dog toys with ridges or nubs are a great option for your pup, as they help remove plaque during chewing.

Dental chews are another great way to invest in your puppy’s oral health while providing a tasty treat. When choosing a chew for your four-legged friend, consider an option like Purina DentaLife Puppy Teething Chews.

“DentaLife Puppy Teething Chews can help establish a healthy dental routine by supporting a puppy’s natural drive to chew and their mental engagement,” said Harris. “The chews safely redirect chewing behavior during peak teething age, around 3+ months old, when puppies’ adult teeth emerge.”

DentaLife Puppy Teething Chews are a great tool for puppy parents to support their new pet through the teething stage and build up healthy dental habits. Designed and formulated by Purina animal care experts, they also contain DHA, EPA and calcium to support your puppy’s developing brain, teeth and bones.

3. Schedule professional dental cleaning

As your puppy grows and develops, it’s important to explore when your pup should get their first professional dental cleaning, as recommendations vary across breeds. During a cleaning, your vet can examine your pup’s teeth and gums for disease and remove hardened tartar. They’ll also be able to help you address any issues they find so you can keep your best friend happy and healthy for years to come.

Remember, establishing good dental habits as a puppy can set them up for dental success down the road. Using these three expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your puppy’s smile healthy and bright.